Come As You Are
We live in a world that subtly demands perfection. We polish our words. We post the highlight reels. We hesitate to show up until we feel “together enough.”
But Jesus never demanded polish. He simply said:
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
Come, not when you’ve figured it all out. Not when you’ve gotten your act together. Just come.
Come in your questions. Come in your weariness. Come in your joy and your sorrow. Come as you are.
The Bologna Moment
Years ago, when I was a newly married woman and had just moved back to West Virginia, I nervously joined a women’s Bible study in someone’s home.
Everyone seemed so lovely—put together, polished, articulate. I sat in quiet comparison, assuming I didn’t measure up. (A sinful habit I still wrestle with.)
Then something unexpected happened.
A woman beside me, juggling her Bible and coffee, got up to place her plate on a tall TV stand. As she did, she paused and exclaimed:
“Oh! What’s this?”
She held up a dried-out, half-eaten piece of bologna.
We all blinked. And then we burst into laughter.
The hostess turned bright red and explained that one of her four young boys must have hidden it there.
It was such a silly moment—but it’s never left me. Because in that shared laughter, the pressure lifted. The polish faded.
That crusty piece of bologna became a quiet kind of grace— a reminder that none of us are truly put together.
And maybe that’s the point.
Maybe what we need most isn’t curated perfection, but honest presence.
Maybe we need to see one another’s crumbs and quirks— and love each other all the more.
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” —Romans 15:7
What Real Friendship Looks Like
There is something sacred about friendships where:
No one has to shrink or strive
Laughter is unrestrained
Tears don’t need apologies
Weariness isn’t a disqualifier
Joy doesn’t need to be edited down to make others comfortable
These are the kinds of friendships that reflect the heart of Jesus— not flawless, but faithful. Not perfect, but present.
Let’s Be Women Who Reflect His Mercy
Let’s be women who carry grace into our text threads, front porches, and dinner tables.
Let’s:
Show up, even when it’s awkward
Celebrate each other’s wins
Sit together in the hard places
Hold space for the mystery
Walk each other home
Because real friendship isn’t built on perfection. It’s built on presence.
Scriptures for Reflection
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” —Romans 12:15
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” —Romans 12:9
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, Thank You for welcoming me just as I am. Thank You for being a refuge in my mess and a companion in my joy. Teach me to love others like You do. Make me the kind of friend who reflects Your heart— a safe place for honesty, sorrow, celebration, and silence. Help me carry the burdens of others with gentleness and grace. Let my life be a living invitation for others to come as they are— and find You in the middle of it all.
Amen.